QatarEnergy purchases 33 LNG shipments from the US this year for supply to Asia, aiming to maintain its reputation and mitigate the impact of potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

(1) Four trade and industry sources revealed that Qatar Energy (QE) has purchased 33 spot cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States for shipment to Asia this year, far surpassing last year's figure of only 4 cargoes. The purpose is to reduce supply disruptions for major customers after exports through the Strait of Hormuz were blocked by the Iran conflict.(2) After Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar Energy announced that LNG shipments were subject to force majeure, which allowed it to be exempt from fulfilling certain contractual obligations. Nevertheless, the company still managed to sustain supply to some customers.(3) According to industry sources, as one of the world's most reliable natural gas suppliers, Qatar's move aims to safeguard its reputation built over decades by filling the gap through unconventional procurement methods.